A restaurant in central Thailand has ingeniously turned a disruptive flood into a major tourist draw, with customers flocking to enjoy meals while partially submerged in water teeming with live fish.
An Unlikely Viral Sensation
The Pa Jit restaurant, a fixture in Nakhon Pathom province for over three decades, has become an internet phenomenon. This surge in popularity began just 11 days ago when the adjacent river overflowed its banks, located approximately 30 kilometres from Bangkok.
Instead of closing its doors, the establishment embraced the unusual conditions. Families now arrive in droves, with fascinated young children watching river fish swim around their legs as they eat. Staff have adapted seamlessly, donning waders to carefully navigate the murky floodwaters. They serve popular dishes like fish soup and chicken noodles to patrons, who often toss morsels into the water to create and photograph a feeding frenzy.
From Despair to Unprecedented Success
The owner, Pornkamol Prangprempree, recalled her initial dismay when the restaurant first flooded four years ago. "I thought there would be no customer for sure," she admitted. Her outlook changed completely when a customer shared their experience online, highlighting the unexpected aquatic visitors.
"Then a lot of people flocked here to eat," she said. The flood has proven to be an extraordinary business opportunity. Her daily profits have doubled, rising from around 10,000 baht ($309) to approximately 20,000 baht ($618).
Patrons Embrace the Novelty
Local residents and visitors are captivated by the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Chomphunuth Khantaniti, a 29-year-old from the same province, visited with her husband and son. "I think it's good, because we can bring the children here. When the children see the fish, they become less fussy," she explained, adding, "I think in Thailand, there's only this place where you can see fish coming up like this."
Another customer, Bella Windy, 63, was drawn by the unique sensory experience. She came specifically "to feel the fish nibbling on my feet." She noted, "The nature experience here is the highlight of this restaurant and it attracts people."
The restaurant is expected to remain flooded for several more weeks, with high tides and the tail-end of the monsoon season keeping water levels elevated.
A Stark Contrast to Widespread Devastation
While the flooding has been a boon for Pa Jit, it has caused severe damage elsewhere in Thailand. Official data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reports a tragic toll. Since late July, the flooding has resulted in 12 fatalities and two missing persons. The department reported on Friday 14 November 2025 that more than 480,000 people across 13 provinces, particularly in the north and central regions, have been affected by the floods.
